Noida: One-way traffic rule on Udyog Marg remain only on signboards

Udyog Marg provides connectivity between industrial areas in sectors 1 to 11 and sectors 12, 22, 55, 56, 57, 58, 62 and further. Around 2,000 big and small factory units are located in sectors 1 to 11.

To reduce congestion, the district administration had made Udyog Marg a one-way route on January 23, 2016. But vehicles continue to ply both ways as there are no traffic personnel on the stretch to enforce the rule. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Motorists continue to flout the one-way traffic rule on the four-kilometre stretch of Udyog Marg and drive on both carriageways of the road. Udyog Marg was declared a one-way road on January 23 last year to reduce congestion on the stretch. However, even after 16 months, the rule hasn’t had the desired effect and congestion remains.

Udyog Marg provides connectivity between industrial areas in sectors 1 to 11 and sectors 12, 22, 55, 56, 57, 58, 62 and further. Around 2,000 big and small factory units are located in sectors 1 to 11.

“We have taken up the matter with the district administration and the city police several times, but there’s never any relief. Last week, we held a meeting with the traffic circle officer concerned. He assured us that the problem would be addressed within two weeks. We are sure steps will be taken,” said Vipin Malhan, president, Noida Entrepreneurs Association (NEA).

To reduce congestion, the district administration had made Udyog Marg a one-way route on January 23, 2016, after consultation with the traffic police and the NEA. It was made mandatory for vehicles going from Sector 11 to Naya Bans on the Dadri-Surajpur-Chhalera Road to go via Harola.

“Poor enforcement by the traffic police allows vehicles to travel in both directions on the road, defeating the purpose for which the one-way movement was ordered. Until the traffic police is deployed, nothing will improve,” said VK Seth, general secretary, NEA.

He added that despite repeated requests by entrepreneurs and residents, police have failed to ensure implementation of the rule.

However, superintendent of police (SP), traffic, Prabal Pratap Singh, said, “People take Udyog Marg because the exit route via Harola is congested due to encroachments by vendors and other kiosks. The police is already imposing fines on anyone found violating the norms. Work on removing encroachments is also underway. It is more streamlined than before.”